The man most people know as Tuna got some well-deserved recognition this week.
Mayor Ian Sutherland gave Laroy Watt a volunteer recognition award on Tuesday at council's regular meeting. Along with the framed certificate of thanks, Laroy was given a jar filled with 1,600 pennies. The pennies represented the more than 1,600 young lives Laroy has touched through his decades of involvement with minor ball in Squamish.
He is currently the chairman of the Howe Sound Minor Ball Association.
One of those pennies represents me, as Laroy was one of the coaches of my major league team back in the early 1980s. We were known as the Pulpers and our sponsor was the company that owned the Woodfibre Mill at that time.
Watt was one of those coaches who always did what was best for the kids. Unlike some parents, umpires and other coaches, Laroy didn't take the game too seriously.
He always stayed composed and he made the game about kids having fun in a structured environment that encouraged physical fitness and team work.
One of the things I remember about being on Laroy's team was the way he included everyone. It didn't matter if you were a weak player; he made sure it was fun and everyone had an opportunity to play. He offered lots of positive feedback, he treated all of my teammates with respect and he treated us as equals.
Laroy and the scores of volunteers who make baseball happen every year between May and July seem to fly under the radar every year. Their sport just doesn't get as much attention and doesn't achieve the profile that soccer, hockey, mountain biking, high school basketball and slo-pitch seem to get.
Part of the reason for that is the fact that the minor baseball season is very short. Another factor is the lack of travel teams and the lack of participation from older teens.
No matter the size of the organization and how old the players are Laroy deserves the recognition and two thumbs up to the mayor for his decision to publicly thank Laroy for his contribution to the community.
If you have ever thought about getting involved in minor ball, whether it be as a player, a coach, an umpire, a volunteer or spectator you should stop thinking and just do it. We need baseball and baseball needs you.
Kids need structured programs and this is one that has been successful for many years because of Laroy Watt and all the those who help him each ball season.
Thanks Tuna - for everything.
